The 2016 Waimea Ocean Film Festival will open on Jan. 1 with a large lineup of films, special guests, intimate coffee talks, Q&As, exhibits, receptions and morning activities.
The festival will run non-stop through Jan. 8, with films playing simultaneously from Jan. 1 to 4 at multiple venues in Waimea (Kahilu Theatre, HPA Gates, Parker Theatre) and at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i. On Jan. 5, the festival will move to Four Seasons Resort Hualalai.
Ocean Film brings over 50 films to the big screen this year—most of which are world, US, Hawai‘i or Big Island premieres—with many filmmakers in attendance to answer questions following each film.
The format of this dynamic festival immerses participants in a greater understanding and awareness of the ocean and island culture through exceptional films, talks, exhibits and activities.
The full lineup of films and the complete festival program is available online. Programs will also be provided at screenings.
Festival passes can be purchased via the website or by calling (808) 854-6095.
Festival Venues Jan. 1–4
Kahilu Theatre, Hawaii Preparatory Academy Gates Performing Arts Center (HPA Gates), Parker School Theatre, Anna Ranch Heritage Center, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i, Kawaihae Canoe Club’s Hale at Kawaihae Harbor
Festival Venue Jan. 5–8
Four Seasons Resort Hualālai Ballroom
Availability of Films and Criteria for Festival Inclusion
All films are screened at least one time Jan 1–4, and many will be shown multiple times during this period. Many, but not all films are shown again only once Jan 5–8. Films in the program are screened by invitation only and chosen for their exceptional value. Films fall generally into the categories of Ocean Experience (surfing, paddling); Ocean Environment (marine life and how what we do on land impacts the sea); Island Culture (Hawaiian and other islands); and Inspiration (inspirational in nature).
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Films also look at how and why we act as we do as a society and as individuals, plus chronicle personal inspiration stories and people making a difference.
2016 Festival World Premiere Films
North Coast 500
Ocean Stories: Wyland
2016 Festival USA Premiere Films
Deeper
How to Win the Grand National
Ireland’s Ocean: Life in the Shallows
La Primera Ola
Ocean Stories: Greg Stone
Reflections of an Underwater Cameraman
2016 Festival Hawai‘i Premiere Films
Alison’s Adventures: Maldives
Audubon: John James Audubon and the Birds of America The Bat Man of Mexico
The Birth of Saké
The Diplomat
E2-Affordable Green Housing
E2-Architecture 2030
E2-Harvesting the Wind
E2-London: the Price of Traffic
E2-Paris: Vélo Liberté
E2-Portland: A Sense of Place A Fragile Legacy
Humpback Whales
Mapping the Blue
Medicine of the Wolf
Message in a Bottle
Of Ants and Men
Paradise Found: Phoenix Islands Reaching Blue
Secrets of the Longleaf Pine
Teddy Tucker: Adventure Is My Life
Uncharted Waters: The Personal History of Wayne Lynch When Voices Meet
2016 Big Island Premiere Films
‘Āina: That Which Feeds Us Canefield Songs: Holehole Bushi Containment
Denali
The Fishermanʻs Son Landfill Harmonic Meru
Nazaré Calling
A Sakada Story
The Search for Freedom Shark Girl
Unbranded
2016 Festival Films with Big Island Ties
“A Fragile Legacy” featuring Dr. Drew Harvell, Cornell professor and Kohala Center scientist “Alison’s Adventures: Maldives” featuring HPA grad Alison Teal
“Come Hell or High Water” featuring Waimea resident Mike Stewart
“Dolphin Rescue” by Kona videographer Martina Wing
“Hōkūle‘a: Proud Voyage Home” with Waimea resident and Capt. Chadd Paishon, Shorty Bertelmann and others to speak after film
“Message in a Bottle” filmed atop Mauna Loa
“Roots of ‘Ulu” produced by part-time Kohala resident John Antonelli with interviews of many island residents “Worth the Risk” with Capt. Chadd Paishon and others to speak afterwards
“E-2 Paris Vélo Liberté.” Photo Courtesy Waimea Ocean Film Festival.
A Highlighted Lineup and Synopsis of 2015 Festival Films
Note: see the Program Guide for a description of all films. *Filmmakers attending Ocean Film and leading a discussion(s)
‘Āina: That Which Feeds (USA/Josh Thome, Dave Mossop)
Alison’s Adventures: Maldives (USA/Alison Teal, Sarah Lee*)
Audubon: John James Audubon and the Birds of America (USA/Al Reinert) The Bat Man of Mexico (UK/Tom Mustill*)
Behind the Lines (UK/Garrett McNamara*)
The Birth of Saké (USA/Erik Shirai*)
Canefield Songs: Holehole Bushi (USA/Joy Chong-Stannard) Come Hell or High Water (USA/Mike Stewart*)
Containment (USA/Peter Galison, Robb Moss)
Debris (Canada/Megan Lamson*)
Deeper (UK/Garrett McNamara*)
Denali (USA/Ben Knight)
The Diplomat (USA/David Holbrooke, Stacey Reiss*)
Duke Kahanamoku: Hawai‘i’s Soul (USA/Phil Arnone*)
E-2 Affordable Green Housing (USA/Tad Fettig*)
E-2 Architecture 2030 (USA/Tad Fettig*)
E-2 Harvesting the Wind (USA/Tad Fettig*)
E-2 London: The Price of Traffic (USA/Tad Fettig*)
E-2 Paris: Vélo Liberté (USA/Tad Fettig*)
E-2 Portland: A Sense of Place (USA/Tad Fettig*) The Fisherman’s Son (USA/Chris Malloy)
A Fragile Legacy (USA/Drew Harvell*)
Gun Ho (USA/Anna Trent Moore*)
Here Was Cuba (Ireland/John Murray)
Hōkūle‘a: A Proud Voyage Home (USA/Phil Arnone*)
How to Win the Grand National (UK/Tom Mustill*)
Humpback Whales (USA/Greg MacGillivray)
Ireland’s Ocean: Life in the Shallows (Ireland/Ken O’Sullivan)
La Primera Ola (Spain/Pedro Temboury)
Landfill Harmonic (USA/Brad Allgood, Graham Townsley)
The Loco Viaje (Spain/Iker San Martin*)
Mapping the Blue (USA/Alison Barrat)
Medicine of the Wolf (USA/Julia Huffman)
Meru (USA/Jimmy Chin)
Message in a Bottle (USA/Danny Schmidt)
Nazaré Calling (USA/Garrett McNamara*)
North Coast 500 (Scotland/Iain Mitchell, Rupert Shanks)
The Northern Sky (USA/Britton Caillouette)
Ocean Driven (USA/Chris Bertish*)
Ocean Stories: Greg Stone (USA/Greg Stone, Greg Goggin*)
Ocean Stories: Wyland (USA/Robert Wyland*)
Of Ants and Men (USA/Shelley Schulze)
Paradise Found: Phoenix Island (USA/Greg Stone*)
Reaching Blue (Canada/Ian Hinkle, Andy Robertson)
Reflections of an Underwater Cameraman (Ireland/Ken O’Sullivan)
The Roots of ‘Ulu (USA/John Antonelli, Matt Yamashita, Jerry Konanui*)
A Sakada Story (USA/Maribel Apuya*)
The Search for Freedom (Canada/Jon Long)
Secrets of the Longleaf Pine (USA/Greg Pope, Rhett Turner)
Shark Girl (Australia/Gisela Kaufmann)
Slack Key (USA/ Myrna & Eddie Kamae)
Sons of Halawa (USA/Matt Yamashita*)
Teddy Tucker: Adventure Is My Life (USA/Greg Stone*)
Thule Tuvalu (Switzerland/Matthias von Gunten)
Unbranded (USA/Phillip Baribeau, Ben Masters*)
Unchartered Waters: The Personal History of Wayne Lynch (Australia/Craig Griffin) When Voices Meet (South Africa/Marilyn Cohen, Sharon Katz*)
Explanation of Festival Pass System for Public Attendees
The festival is designed as an overall experience for the attendee, with films and speakers related to one another. For example, the 4-Day Waimea Film Pass provides access to all film and presentation blocks from Jan. 1–4, as well as breakfast talks and any scheduled morning activities during that time (sunrise yoga on the beach or paddling canoe lesson). There is a similar pass for the time the festival plays at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, plus a 6-Punch Pass for use with six film or presentation blocks. There are also student passes. Remaining seats are available for individual purchase 15 minutes before each showing, but the festival is designed around people having a pass and fully engaging in related talks and activities. It would be difficult to value the difference between films with filmmakers and speakers present, or to otherwise account for the full makeup of the festival, including exhibits and morning activities.
Guest Speakers at a Glance
Note: These sessions are in addition to numerous other filmmaker talks and Q&As More presentations and detailed speaker bios appear in the 2016 Program Guide.
Chris Bertish: “Ocean Driven”
Coming to Ocean Film from South Africa, Chris is a sought-after global motivational keynote and TEDx speaker. A pioneer of paddling into larger waves, he was the first to paddle into Jaws in 2000 and in 2010 paddled into the biggest wave ever surfed at Mavericks, winning the event considered by many to be the most difficult big wave surfing competition. Bertish has broken a string of world records on his SUP to raise money for charities and plans to paddle board across the Atlantic Ocean next year. He leads discussions following showings of “Ocean Driven” and signs his recently released book, “Stoked.” Join him also at a Breakfast Talk.
Tom Mustill: “The Bat Man of Mexico” and “How to Win the Grand National”
Shortlisted as a TED fellow for pushing the boundaries of documentary television, Mustill is a freelance director based from London who has produced a number of award-winning films on natural history for BBC and Oxford Scientific Films. He appears at a Breakfast Talk and leads discussions following the showings of his two films above.
Gregory S. Stone, Ph.D.: “Ocean Stories: Greg Stone,” “Teddy Tucker: Adventure in my Life” and “Paradise Found: Phoenix Islands”
One of the world’s leading authorities on marine conservation policy and ocean health, Dr. Stone was named a hero by National Geographic for his work. He is currently on the World Economic Forum’s Global Council on Ocean Governance, is a TEDGlobal speak and has appeared in multiple “Discovery Channel” and “National Geographic” documentaries. Dr. Stone is executive vice president and chief ocean scientist for Conservation International and helped establish the Phoenix Islands Marine Protected Area. He leads discussions following the three films above and appears at a Breakfast Talk.
Garrett McNamara: “Behind the Lines,” “Deeper” and “Nazaré Calling”
A big wave surf champion with multiple Billabong XXL Awards to his name, McNamara hold the Guinness World Record for surfing the largest wave ever surfed—documented at 78 feet—which he caught in Nazaré, Portugal. McNamara is among those invited to participate in The Eddie this year and is among the world’s most elite big wave surfers. Join Garrett at the showing of the three above films.
Mike Stewart: “Come Hell or Highwater”
Big Island resident Mike Stewart, considered the greatest body boarder of all time, is among the greatest wave riders. He boasts 13 World Bodysurf championiships and 24 Pipeline titles. Steward was among the pioneers of big-wave, tow-in surfing and has written over 100 publication articles. He leads discussions after “Come Hell or Highwater,” in which he is featured.
Tad Fettig: Six Films from the “E2 Series: Design, Energy, Transport”
Filmmaker Tad Fettig leads discussions following the screening of six E2 episodes from the critically acclaimed series examining architecture, green housing, traffic, transit, a bicycling initiative and wind energy. Having grown up on O‘ahu, Fettig travels to the festival from New York.
M. Sanjayan, Ph.D.: Big Blue Live
Award-winning news contributor, documentary host and scientist Dr. M. Sanjayan returns to the festival as a favorite speaker to share some clips and behind-the-scenes stories from the PBS and BBC production of “Big Blue Live, the first live TV show featuring ocean wildlife. Sanjayan co-hosted the show and is executive vice president of Conservation International.
Drew Harvell, Ph.D: “A Fragile Legacy”
A Cornell professor and researcher focusing on the health of marine ecosystems, Dr. Harvell is also the curator of the Blaschka Marine Invertebrates Collection and recently authored a book to be released this year, “A Sea of Glass.” She answers questions following “A Fragile Legacy,” which
features the 1885 glass collection and its role in helping to identify changes occurring in today’s oceans. Harvell is considered one of the world’s leading authorities on climate change of coral reef ecosystems and heads a team of scientists in this study.
Chadd Paishon: “Worth the Risk” and “Hōkūle‘a: Proud Voyage Home”
Capt. Paishon and other voyagers discuss the challenges and successes of Hōkūle‘a’s Worldwide Voyage. Paishon also appears at the opening of the Voyager Exhibit at Kahilu Theatre and at the ʻImiloa Wayfinding presentation. He leads a Breakfast Talk about Makali‘i and dry dock.
Maribel Apuya: “A Sakada Story”
Apuya shares insight on her documentary short chronicling the success of a Filipino who immigrated to Hawai‘i to work at the Waialua Sugar Plantation at screenings and a breakfast talk. The Filipino- American filmmaker and former Miss Hawaii Filipina is producing two additional short films that will comprise “The Sakada Series.”
Anna Trent Moore: Bud Browne Archives Film “Gun Ho”
The curator of the Bud Brown Film Archives and author returns to the festival to hosts Q & As after showings of “Gun Ho.” She will also present the first ever Bud Brown Surf Film Award at Four Seasons.
Alison Teal: “Alisonʻs Adventures: Maldives”
Local Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy grad and filmmaker Alison Teal returns to the festival with an episode from her own film series—which she directs, produces, edits and hosts in collaboration with cinematographer Sarah Lee. Join Teal at “Maldives” screenings.
Wyland: “Ocean Stories: Wyland”
Artist Wyland appears at the world premiere of the screening of “Ocean Stories: Wyland” 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 3. Perhaps one of the most recognized artists in the country, Wyland is most known for his large murals of whales.
David Holbrooke: “The Diplomat”
The son of the late Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, David Holbrooke shares a film about the life and work of his father. Richard brokered the Dayton Peace Accord, which ended the war in Bosnia. David appears following the film showings and at a Breakfast Talk.
Ben Masters: “Unbranded”
Texas cowboy Ben Masters and filmmaker Phillip Baribeau travel to the Big Island to share the film “Unbranded,” which will be a favorite with audiences. In this spectacular and compelling film, Masters trains a string of wild mustangs, before leading them 3,000 miles from Mexico to Canada. Join Masters and Baribeau for discussions and book signings after film showings and a Breakfast Talk.
EXHIBITS
Voyager Exhibit: 2015 Leg of the Worldwide Voyage Hōkūle‘a
Jan. 1: Exhibit opening/blessing 4 p.m., displayed thru Feb. 14, Kahilu Theatre
Jan. 2: Breakfast Talk 8:15 a.m., Kahilu Theatre
Exhibit offers on-board images taken by ‘Ōiwi TV photographers and an updated world map showing the route of the current Worldwide Voyage of Hōkūle‘a.
Interactive Learning: Wayfinding
Jan. 8: 11:30 a.m., Four Seasons Resort Hualālai
Apprentice Navigator Celeste Manuia Ha‘o of ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center and Makali‘i Captain Chadd ‘Onihi Paishon offer an introductory session to the basic skill set essential for wayfinding—the oceanic art of non-instrument navigation. Includes a star show in a portable full-dome theatre. Seating is limited; arrive early.
Ensuring a Sustainable Fishery Ka‘ūpūlehu
Jan. 3: 2:30 p.m., HPA Gates Performing Arts Center
The community of Ka‘ūpūlehu is one of five across Hawai‘i seeking formal authority to co-manage its marine resources with the State of Hawai‘i. Ku‘ulei Keakealani of Hui Aloha Kīholo/ka pilina poina‘ole and Chad Wiggins of The Nature Conservancy share the ongoing effort to replenish and sustain the fishery at Kaʻūpūlehu that includes a community based plan by the Ka‘ūpūlehu Marine Life Advisory Council.
Art Exhibit and Discussion: Festival Artist Sophie Twigg-Smith Teururai
Jan. 6: 2-5 p.m., Four Seasons Resort Hualālai
Hilo-born and Tahiti-based artist Sophie Twigg-Smith Teururai created the painting representing this year’s festival and she discusses her work of island lifestyle scenes.
Art exhibit Jan. 1-4 at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i and Jan. 5-8 at Four Seasons.
Two Art Exhibits, Discussions and Book Signings: “Aloha Expressionism”
Jan. 1: 3-5 p.m. and Jan. 7, 4-6 p.m.; Lloyd Sexton Gallery at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Author of “Aloha Expressionism by Contemporary Hawai‘i Artists,” Tiffany DeEtte Shafto signs copies of her book and talks story with Hawai‘i-based artists Kathy Long, Kristie Kosmides, Timothy Shafto and Marlene Louchheim. An exhibit of their work is on display Jan. 1-4 at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and Jan. 5-8 at Four Seasons Resort. A percentage of proceeds from art and book sales benefit the festival.
Jan. 3, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Isaacs Art Center
Join Mary Koski’s daughter, Kathy Long, for the opening of a retrospective of the art of Mary Koski and book signing of “Aloha Expressionism,” in which they are both represented. The exhibit continues through the end of January.
Art Exhibit and Demonstration: Caren Loebel-Fried
Jan. 3: 9:45-11:45 a.m., The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i; Jan. 5: 1-3 p.m. Four Seasons Resort
A second-generation block printmaker, Caren Loebel-Fried of Volcano shares the art of printmaking. Exhibit Jan. 1-4 at The Fairmont Orchid and Jan. 5-8 at Four Seasons Resort.
Gallery Tour and Discussion: Isaacs Art Center
Jan. 4: 10 a.m. and noon. Following tours, Mollie Hustace leads discussions on 20th century modernism, historic realism and painting in later 20th century Hawaiian art.
Gallery Exhibit and On-Location Painting: Christian Enns
Jan. 2-4: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Painting en plein air at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Artist and champion big wave surfer Christian Enns provided the festival program cover art from 2013-2015. The artist donated one of his paintings to the festival that will be available for bidding at the Four Seasons Resort Jan. 5-8. See how Enns’ self-described “fearless” approach to life and art is reflected art at his pop-up galley in the hotel lobby through Jan. 31.
Origami Classes
Jan. 1-4: 3 p.m. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i
Big Isle resident Bonnie Cherni offers instruction creating ocean art via origami. The owner of Epic Origami, Cherni creates miniature to life-sized origami using paper, aluminum, copper and canvas.
Breakfast Talks
Throughout the festival these 8:15 am sessions offer coffee, pastries and an opportunity to meet special guests and filmmakers to engage in meaningful conversation. They are listed in detail in the 2016 Program Guide and are a highlight of the festival!
The Waimea Ocean Film Festival is a 501(c)3 organization made possible through the support of patrons, sponsors and the community. Mahalo to the 2016 Ocean Film partners: Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, Holualoa Inn, Matson, K2 Imaging, Sushi Rock, Palani French Bakers, Big Island Brewhaus, Big Island Traveler, Maile Charters, Starbucks Coffee, Anna Ranch Heritage Center, Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA), Parker School, West Hawaii Today, Hawaii Tribune Herald, Kona Law, Emily T Gail Show, Ke Ola magazine, The Beach FM and The Wave FM.
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